SumoRunner
Well-known member
My aortic valve replacement anniversary is 25 years on Tuesday, July 26th. I don't often celebrate the occasion any longer and this time I'm just going out to lunch with my wife and daughters.
Later in the day, I have a date with 100 triathletes for a swim training session. I joined a Tri Club so I could train for a couple open water swim races in August at 1 mile and 2.5 Km. I have been noted for many years on this board and others as an inveterate runner. That came to an end this past winter when I was diagnosed with spinal arthritis and the pain induced by the pounding became unbearable. That began to bother me about a year ago and I fought it for 6-7 months, but the arthritis won and I can no longer run without pain. I had racked up some fairly impressive numbers since AVR though, with over 25,000 miles (the circumference of the earth is 24,900) and 330 races on roads, trails and track from 200 meters to half marathons. I even had some satisfyingly competitive periods in my early 60s, winning several age group awards.
Now, as an old dog with a new trick, I've merely switched games at the age of 68 and concentrated on swimming since the arthritis is not a problem with that at all. And never once in all that time with all that activity, have I had any more heart issues.
Later in the day, I have a date with 100 triathletes for a swim training session. I joined a Tri Club so I could train for a couple open water swim races in August at 1 mile and 2.5 Km. I have been noted for many years on this board and others as an inveterate runner. That came to an end this past winter when I was diagnosed with spinal arthritis and the pain induced by the pounding became unbearable. That began to bother me about a year ago and I fought it for 6-7 months, but the arthritis won and I can no longer run without pain. I had racked up some fairly impressive numbers since AVR though, with over 25,000 miles (the circumference of the earth is 24,900) and 330 races on roads, trails and track from 200 meters to half marathons. I even had some satisfyingly competitive periods in my early 60s, winning several age group awards.
Now, as an old dog with a new trick, I've merely switched games at the age of 68 and concentrated on swimming since the arthritis is not a problem with that at all. And never once in all that time with all that activity, have I had any more heart issues.